Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
Organizations and local governments across Michigan will receive a combined $38.9 million to deploy clean energy technologies, repair homes, make energy-efficiency improvements and develop resiliency hubs. These investments will allow these communities to initiate proactive measures that guard against inclement weather, lower energy costs and protect natural resources.
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) – a regional planning organization covering three counties – will use $20 million to create two community resilience hubs. These hubs will provide disaster preparation and recovery services and offer power backup options. The commission will leverage clean energy solutions at both locations and will also help upgrade energy efficiency and electrification for residences and communal spaces.
The Garden House Resilience Hub will showcase the capabilities of an electrified house, serving as an accelerator for community electrification efforts. The building will have a dedicated space for community education and provide shelter during emergencies.
In addition, the SWMPC will upgrade the Bobo Brazil Community Center to serve as the second resiliency hub. Plans include improving the building’s energy efficiency, upgrading its storage and backup power and installing a pilot microgrid using two bi-directional electric vehicle chargers.
Kalamazoo County will use $18.9 million to improve and repair 300 single-family housing units as part of the Holistic Healthy Homes program. The project will also develop four local neighborhood centers into resiliency hubs. These sites will serve as emergency shelters and communal gathering spaces.
Photo by Pixabay
